Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 259: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to recruit prison officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47946/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with Government Decisions on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, more generally referred to as the moratorium on public sector recruitment, filling of vacancies in the Irish Prison Service is subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that sanction has been granted by the Minister for Finance to recruit an additional 80 recruit prison officers, from an existing recruitment panel, to meet the immediate needs of the prison service particularly in view of new prison places coming on stream. I can further advise that it is envisaged that the new recruits will begin training in early 2011.